Williams happy despite just missing podium spot

WELSH star James Williams narrowly missed out on a podium result on Trackrod Rally Yorkshire – round six of the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship.

The championship made a switch back to gravel with the forests near Filey in North Yorkshire home to the penultimate round of the series.

The opening day saw Newcastle Emlyn driver Williams – with Dai Roberts reading the notes – in fourth overall, just a few seconds off the top three.

On the second day he was involved in a three-way fight for second place. Coming into the midday service halt he was just 5.2 seconds away from second spot and 3.3 seconds away from a podium.

Despite throwing everything at the final 24 miles of competitive stages – including setting a second fastest time on the final stage – he just missed out on a podium spot.

But a creditable fourth almost confirms a top-three position in the championship.

“We gave it our all on that one, we couldn’t give any more,” said Williams.

“It was always going to be a big ask to keep up with the likes of Osian Pryce and Keith Cronin here with all their experience.

“I felt good in the car, just a few little niggly things we need to try to sort. Despite that, this weekend is a step forward for us as we have really struggled on the gravel this